Florentina Smith, national parliamentarian, said the lack of responsibility taken by the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) over the salary issue demonstrated the force was not working at full capacity.

“These (police officers) are human, they have families and needs that we have to consider,” Smith said on Tuesday as she addressed parliament.

Smith said motivation was critical for PNTL officers to maintain their critical role, and called on the PNTL Commander to address the no pay issue “as soon as possible.”

Timor-Leste police officer salaries start from $205 a month.